Ok. Third chapter is up and I'm issuing a challenge for anyone who wants to accept!

Can you solve the mystery of Tuzuki Castle before Inuyasha does?

Pay careful attention to Shinichi's story in this chapter. I'd be REALLY surprised if anyone solves this. Note: more details on this challenge will be revealed after the chapter.

For now: enjoy!

Disclaimer: the characters and settings from the anime and manga Inuyasha do not belong to me.

Shinichi and this plot, however, are completely original.

Ignorance Is Bliss

Chapter 3

Could I have been wrong?

The stranger's hair was different from Inuyasha's: the traveler had silver bangs that extended as far as his cheeks and fell to frame his face. The rest of his hair was pulled up in a shoulder-length ponytail that was faintly reminiscent of Inari Nobunaga's hairstyle.

The traveler's hatori varied from the clothing of the hanyou: whereas Inuyash's fire-rat robe had full sleeves and matched the color of his pants, the traveler's hatori barely extended past his shoulders. The rest of his arms were covered by the white shirt he wore underneath, and his pants were white with streaks of red.

There was no way the intruder could be mistaken for Inuyasha: their builds, faces, and eyes were too different. Not to mention, Inuyasha was a half-demon while this stranger was obviously human.

Still, despite these differences, Inuyasha and this stranger were too alike for Kagome's comfort. The description on the internet had been vague.

Could she have been wrong? Had she been worrying over Inuyasha's life on a whim? Was it, in fact, this unknown character that would be found dead by the time April drew to a close? And how could she be sure it was one of the two men in front of her that would lose their life? There were probably more men out there that fit the description. For all she knew, it could be someone she would never even meet.

She needed more information before she could make any sort of decision.

But, for a brief second, Kagome's heart had sung with relief: Inuyasha's distinguishing characteristics weren't quite as unique as she had thought. At least there was a chance that she had been wrong.

No sooner had she thought that than another side of her heart constricted with guilt. She shouldn't be happy over anyone's death, even if that stranger dying meant a loved one spared. She felt despicable.

And now, as time seemed to freeze and she stood still, a third emotion roared back in and settled down, preparing for a long stay. She was anxious again. Someone was going to die and she couldn't find it in her heart to just sit back and let that happen.

"Whadda ya wanna do, Ka-go-me?" Inuyasha sat on the river's edge, wringing the water out of his sleeves while glaring at the young girl that had dared to pushed him in to the river. "You can't go around savin' the whole damn world, and you sure as hell ain't gonna drag me into helpin' ya! We ain't gonna be able to help everyone that comes around with some sob story!"

Although Inuyasha didn't know it then, his words had struck a chord. After that day, whenever Kagome came across an unknown person seeking assistance, she was reminded of the limitations of her actions.

Kagome had a heart of gold: if she could have, she would have helped everyone that asked. She wanted to save the world.

But that just wasn't possible. Even Inuyasha, with his larger-than-life-and-too-stubborn-for-death strength, couldn't help everyone. Everybody had to die, and many people died before their natural clocks ticked out. That was just the way it was. One teenage girl couldn't change that, even if she had the help of her group of friends.

But this felt different to Kagome: if she could potentially prevent a castle-wide massacre (albeit mostly peaceful), wasn't she obligated to do so? Sitting back and letting it happen couldn't possibly be right, could it?

Or would she just be making it worse? Would she be changing time or (and she flinched at this) would she be inadvertently dragging Inuyasha to his death?

Suddenly everything didn't seem so simple anymore.

As confusion swirled through Kagome's head, she was sure of two things: First, that Kaede had been right in her advice (Kagome needed information and assistance now more than ever) and, secondly, that she couldn't stand to lose Inuyasha.

Kagome would rather have someone else - anyone else - die than watch Inuyasha fall. It was a selfish request, but those closest to a person automatically take precedent over those far away and everybody has a special someone whose death would hurt more than any other.

She had exactly 30 days before this mystery would come to a close. There was no time to waste in freaking out.

Kagome sucked in a stabilizing breath, and then nodded a farewell to Kaede before walking out of the hut. Inuyasha followed her, easily keeping pace.

She was going to find old Myoga and see if he knew anything about Lord Tuzuki and his soon-to-be infamous castle.

While Kagome had left the hut, the traveler had sat down to the invitation of Priestess Kaede.

He had walked a long way to get to this village and was worn out, but still managed to sit on his knees, hands fisted on his thighs in a customary indication of respect. He had already removed the swords strapped to his back and set them aside in an act of reassurance against harm. This was, in all purposes, a formal meeting and he intended to leave no lapse in manners for the old woman to reflect on later when she considered his requests.

He bowed his head and waited, forcing his breathing into a calm, well controlled pattern. He kept silent: it would be rude to start talking without invitation, especially when one's hostess was such a respected priestess.

"Nay, child," Kaede, acclimated to Inuyasha's rude manners, was quite frankly startled by such a display of courtesy, "Ye need not bow in such a manner to me. Why don't ye sit in a more comfortable position: Ye look very weary to my eyes."

Slowly, hesitant with disbelief to drop his acts of formality but secretly happy at a chance to rest, the silver-haired human refolded his legs more comfortably but didn't dare to go so far as to lean against the wall for back support. After all, he still wanted to make a good impression and his personal ego wouldn't let him show such a sign of weakness.

A few heartbeats later and Kaede, realizing that her current companion wasn't going to drop his acts of formal respect, decided to start on the conversation.

"What is your name, child?"

"Shinichi," a calm reply.

Shinichi: 'the real one'. What a strange name.

"And why be ye here, Shinichi?" Kaede asked, continuing with the interrogation format of their conversation.

"I come to ask for your assistance," another calm, automatic answer.

"Continue," Kaede nodded.

"I…that is…my village is in trouble," Here, Shinichi hesitated, unsure how to explain the bizarre situation that his people had fallen into. "This may sound strange, but please listen to my entire story before you judge.

"Lately, things have been changing in my village. It started after a traveling artisan by the name of Hibiki arrived. He appeared harmless and soon received permission to build a hut and set up a shop. He was a talented metal wielder and those that could afford it immediately flocked to his shop for new knives, plows, and spears. It wasn't long before he became a bit of a legend among our people: he was not only talented, but very courteous and hard to anger.

Late last autumn, Hibiki died, presumably of natural causes: the old man was getting on in years. We mourned his death and buried him in our village graveyard. Due to an imminent snowstorm, his hut was left untouched and has remained so." Here, Shinichi took a break from his story to swallow past a lump in his throat.

Kaede, who had been listening intently, adjusted her eye patch to hide her confusion: there seemed to be nothing wrong with the boy's village. She vaguely wondered if this was an elaborate prank, but the noticed that Shinichi's hands were trembling. He looked disturbed and scared out of his wits.

Kaede decided to continue listening to the boy's story: after all, it couldn't hurt.

"During the middle of winter," Shinichi licked his lips and continued, "The people in our village started acting more and more courteous towards each other. I know this sounds incredibly insane, but you have to believe me: this isn't normal!" Shinichi looked like he was practically in tears.

"Even old Ai, the village grouch, stopped complaining about everything. Everyone was a little too nice!"

"Did it ever occur to ye, child, that perhaps our people were drawing inspiration from the courteous behavior of Hibiki the artisan?" Kaede voice came out cold: this tale seemed like nothing more than a joke.

"Of course, Lady Kaede," Shinichi's voice cracked in his anxiety, "That was exactly what I thought at first. But that's not it. I know it's not! There's no way that's the answer, because Akiko would never….I mean…..It must be some demonic work! I….I ….I….Akiko….she….."

"That's enough, child," Kaede was weary: it was long past time she went to bed, "I have heard many strange tales over the years and know well what demons are capable of. I shall help you if I can. What exactly do ye ask of us?"

Shinichi's eyes widened and sparkled in gratitude and relief.

"Thank you! Many, many thanks!" He enthusiastically bowed his head on the floor, "Thank you!"

Kaede smiled in amusement.

"Please, Priestess," Shinichi looked up and met her gaze, "Your village has become infamous for your group of demon slayers. If you could please send them to help us…."

"Demon slayers? Does ye mean Inuyasha and his friends?" Kaede's other eyebrow rose.

"Yes! That's it!" Shinichi broke into a wide smile, "My village doesn't approve, but they don't know I'm here. My people have tried their best to block out that name, but news is still carried on the wind."

Kaede raised an eyebrow.

They block out Inuyasha's name? Why would an ordinary village have such a grudge against him?

Kaede rose and gestured for Shinichi to do the same.

"Take a day and rest. I shall introduce ye to Inuyasha and his friends in the morning. For now, it is getting late. I believe we can find a roof and some food for ye."

Kaede escorted Shinichi out the door. "Oh, before I forget, what is the name of this village of yours?"

"Kimura village," Shinichi easily responded, "It's not too far from Lord Tukuzi's castle, but you've probably never heard of it: no one has."

Author's note: And that's Chapter three! PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!

More information of the challenge: Can you solve the mystery of Tuzuki Castle? Are you better detectives that Inuyasha and the gang? If you think you can, step right up and take this challenge!

Your challenge: tell me what happened at Tuzuki Castle, in enough detail to avoid vagueness, and support your conclusion with evidence. In other words, this is exactly like Kagome's extra credit history opportunity.

You can ask questions for help, but that doesn't mean I'll answer them. You get the exact same information that Inuyasha and the others are given.

If you think you have the answer, write it out in a review and I'll tell you if you get it right in the Author's note of the next chapter. I might even drop hints.

So....

that's all

Please review and I'll try to write chapter 4 as soon as possible (aka by next weekend, maybe friday if i'm lucky).

:)